The ASCAP Foundation and Walt Disney Feature Animation have formed The ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in Chicago in order to nurture new American musicals.

The initiative is seeking new musicals to be tested in its April workshop in the Windy City.

Held in conjunction with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the annual workshop will be directed by Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Prince of Egypt"), and theatre composer-lyricist Craig Carnelia (The Sweet Smell of Success, Is There Life After High School? and Working).

The four-day workshop will take place on April 21, 22, 28 and 29, at 7 PM, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street.

"The workshop offers musical theatre writers the opportunity to present selections from their original works-in-progress for professional critique by some of the most prominent theatre producers, directors and composers."

Writers interested in applying should submit two (2) copies of each of the following: A CD or tape with four original songs (including lyric sheets), a brief description of each song as to its plot placement, a brief synopsis of the musical, and biographical information on the lyricist and composers (including mailing addresses, e-mail and phone numbers) to Michael Kerker, c/o ASCAP, One Lincoln Plaza 7th Floor, New York, NY 10023, attention: Chicago The ASCAP Foundation/Disney Workshop. The deadline for submissions is March 19, 2004. For further information, call (212) 621-6234.

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The ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in Chicago is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture new American musicals. The workshops are free of charge and are open to everyone, regardless of performing right affiliation. ASCAP is the performing rights organization that tracks and protects the work of songwriters.